Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

To: freekitty
If you are illegally in the country, you are committing a crime.

I'm a lawyer, but not an immigration lawyer, so this may be out of date, but the last time I looked this up, entering the country illegally was a crime, but entering legally (e.g., on a tourist or student visa) and staying illegally (overstaying your visa) rendered you civilly deportable but wasn't a crime.

7 posted on 02/16/2013 6:16:43 PM PST by Lurking Libertarian (Non sub homine, sed sub Deo et lege)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies ]


To: Lurking Libertarian

What about accepting welfare monies, health care; etc which you would not be entitled unless you are a citizen?


10 posted on 02/16/2013 7:01:46 PM PST by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote; then find me a real conservative to vote for)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies ]

To: Lurking Libertarian

You are correct.
Entry without inspection (smeaking across without presenting yourself to a border agent) is a crime.

Visa overstays (legal entry but then staying beyond visa limits) is a civil offense.

Fraudulent entry (fake identity, lying about status) is a criminal offense.


16 posted on 02/16/2013 9:45:54 PM PST by oldbill
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson